Heavy clay shooting is a recent hobby for me,I planned on doing it when I retired, and so it happened. About 5000 rounds of ammo last year for trap. Shot a little 5 stand and SC, but since I was focussed on seeing how far I could take trap, that's been the main event.
I shoot 870s, of course, and modify the stocks to fit. And Chuck. you stole that reload recipe from me(G). Here's the whole thing....
AA hull
W209 primer
Claybuster clone of the WAA 12 SL wad
16.5 gr of Clays.
Oz of West Coast shot
I use 8 1/2 shot for everything back to the 20 yard line.7 1/2 for winter and handicap, tho I don't shoot much of that. Love trap doubles...
A coupla things for clay tyros....
Nothing speeds up the learning process like a good coach. Not all good shooters are good coaches.Bad coaches just teach you to repeat their mistakes.
A well worn library card is a wonderful tool. Clay game books come under 799 in the Dewey system. Jerry Meyer's clay target handbook gives great overviews, and lots of tips. Brister's "Shotgunning" is a bit old, but still a great resource on things shotgun.
Think safety at all times, or be ready to get cussed out regularly, maybe thrown out besides.
When on the line for all games, load when it's your turn, keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and keep your fingers out of the trigger guard until it's your turn.
For upland hunting, I like a shotgun of 7 lbs or less in weight, 7 1/2 for a waterfowler 12 gauge.
But in target guns, I want mo' poundage. At least
8 lbs, a bit muzzle heavy, and with some inertia to keep the swing going. Add a little weight temporarily to your field gun if needed.There's some old threads here on how and how much.
As for stance...
Hold your shotgun while facing down range. Advance your left foot(For RH shotgunners) a bit and keep your weight centered. Have your shotgun pointed downrange with your hands in operating position,not at port arms. Bring the weapon up to the mounted position, and not your face down to the weapon.Your right elbow should be up. As you do so, shift your balance forward a little.
What differs in the games is as to when you do the mount. Trap and Skeet are premounted, 5 stand and SC are not, usually.
HTH...